Will Jon Gruden partake in Buccaneers' Super Bowl anniversary event?

We knew long ago the Bucs were planning a celebration to mark the 10-year anniversary of Super Bowl XXXVII, and today it was confirmed the event is scheduled for Dec. 9 when the Bucs host the Eagles.

We can expect there will be many former Bucs in the house, those who were a part of that history-making 2002 roster – the only championship team in franchise history.

We’ll surely see the likes of Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp and Brad Johnson in the house, which wouldn’t surprise anyone.

But here’s a question? Will Jon Gruden take part? Because it wouldn’t seem proper to have such an event without the coach who brought it all together, a coach who, in fact, is immortalized in a sculpture at the team's headquarters.

Why wouldn’t he show? It’s only been 3 ½ years since the Bucs fired him. It’s still somewhat fresh. Gruden hasn’t exactly been a fixture at Bucs-related events since he was let go.

In fact, when he came to One Buc Place last October to prepare for the team’s Monday Night Football game, the current ESPN analyst said it was his first time setting foot inside the facility since his firing. Upon his arrival, Gruden said he got “emotional.”

Gruden surely would be honored by the events planned for Dec. 9 and probably would get an ovation from the crowd. Maybe that’s enough motivation to ensure his presence. Although, here’s another consideration: Gruden does have a Monday night broadcast to prepare for that weekend, at New England. His crew would normally be on site a couple days before the game, but perhaps that’s something he can work around.

Whatever Gruden’s feelings toward the Bucs, and whatever your feelings toward him, you probably hope he can be a part of the celebration.

Without Gruden and that devilish grin, it would seem rather incomplete.

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